Elsewhere today, Australia racked up 350-6 off their 50 overs against Zimbabwe. Glen Maxwell hit 93 off 46 balls, and Mitchell Johnson smashed the commentary box window with
some wayward bowling
an enormous six. In reply, Zimbabwe are 27-1 from 8.2 overs. Thanks to Paul Clarke for pointing this out.

Email with John McEnerney: “Looking at India overseas is painful at times, don’t know what it is with all the talent they have. Sure they’ve lost great players recently but at times they’ve looked like they’re afraid to take a shot on, playing it safe when chasing or building a lead won’t win test matches.”

I’m not sure - there were also a fair few stupid shots played at inopportune times. The current balance in Tests is very much in favour of home sides - partly, I think, because shorter series and packed tours mean less time to acclimatise and find form.

Back to Hales, his form is crucial, not just as far as the World Cup goes, but also Tests. It’s hard to see Sam Robson becoming a fixture - it’s incredible he’s got to where he has, batting where he does, with the issue that he has. But even if he goes away with the Lions and accumulates, England need someone in the top order to attack the serious bowlers they’ll be facing next summer and winter, and make them reconsider things - the meaning of life, for example, and whether a Hula Hoop is a crisp or a snack.

Alex Hales is not ignorant to the excellence of Alex Hales. Not in an aggressive or aggravating way, just a matter-of-fact acknowledgement of the skills bestowed and inflicted upon him. His demeanour is quite different to that of Jos Buttler, the most obvious batting comparator, but one aspect they clearly share: neither is scared.

The start has been delayed in Bristol as heavy rain has been falling through the night and has not cleared yet this morning.

The umpires have been out to investigate conditions a couple of times, but have scurried back into their hutch a little wetter from the experience but no nearer to opening proceedings.

The match was scheduled to start at 10.30am. but the toss has been delayed and the ground remains under heavy covers. There’s a chance, of course, that there may not be a ball bowled today. Which would be a shame.